International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974

Chapter IGeneral provisions

Regulation 3

Exceptions (a) The present regulations, unless expressly provided otherwise, do not apply to: (i) Ships of war and troopships. (ii) Cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage. (iii) Ships not propelled by mechanical means. (iv) Wooden ships of primitive build. (v) Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade. (vi) Fishing vessels. (b) Except as expressly provided in chapter V, nothing herein shall apply to ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and the River St Lawrence as far east as a straight line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd meridian.

Regulation 4

Exemptions* (a) A ship which is not normally engaged on international voyages but which, in exceptional circumstances, is required to undertake a single international voyage may be exempted by the Administration from any of the requirements of the present regulations provided that it complies with safety requirements which are adequate in the opinion of the Administration for the voyage which is to be undertaken by the ship. (b) The Administration may exempt any ship which embod ies features of a novel kind from any of the provisions of chapters 11-1, 11-2, Ill and IV of these regulations the application of which might seriously impede research into the development of such features and their incorporation in ships engaged on international voyages. Any such ship shall, however, comply with safety requirements which, in the opinion of that Administration, are adequate for the service for which it is intended and are such as to ensure the overall safety of the ship and which are acceptable to the Governments of the States to be visited by the ship. The Administration which allows any such exemption shall communicate to the Organization particulars of the same and the reasons therefore which the Organization shall circulate to the Contracting Governments for their information.

Regulation 5

Equivalentst (a) Where the present regulations require that a particular fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular provision shall be made, the Administration may allow any other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, to be fitted or carried, or any other provision to be made in that ship, if it is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or provision, is at least as effective as that required by the present regulations. (b) Any Administration which so allows, in substitution, a fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or provision, shall communicate to the Organization particulars thereof together with a report on any trials made and the Organization shall circulate such particulars to other Contracting Governments for the information of their officers.

• Refer to Issue of Exemption Certificates under the 1974 SOLAS Convention and Amendments thereto, as amended (SLS.14/Circ.115 and Adds 1-3); Port State concurrence with SOLAS exemptions (MSC/Circ.606); Notification and circulation through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) (resolution A.1074(28)); and Guidance on communication of information by Member States (resolution A.1139(31)). t Refer to Guidelines for the approval of alternatives and equivalents as provided for in various /MO instruments (MSC.1/Circ.1455), Notification and circulation through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) (resolution A.1074(28)) and Guidance on communication of information by Member States (resolution A.1139(31)).

Surveys and certificates*

mRegulation 6 Inspection and survey (a) The inspection and survey of ships, so far as regards the enforcement of the provisions of the present regulations and the granting of exemptions therefrom, shall be carried out by officers of the Administration. The Administration may, however, entrust the inspections and surveys either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to organizations recognized by it.

(b) An Administration nominating surveyors or recognizing organizations to conduct inspections and surveys as set forth in paragraph (a) shall as a minimum empower any nominated surveyor or recognized organization to: (i) require repairs to a ship; (ii) carry out inspections and surveys if requested by the appropriate authorities of a port State.

The Administration shall notify the Organization of the specific responsibilities and conditions of the authority delegated to nominated surveyors or recognized organizations.t

(c) When a nominated surveyor or recognized organization determines that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate or is such that the ship is not fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship, or persons on board, such surveyor or organization shall immediately ensure that corrective action is taken and shall in due course notify the Administration. If such corrective action is not taken the relevant certificate should be withdrawn and the Administration shall be notified immediately; and, if the ship is in the port of another Party, the appropriate authorities of the port State shall also be notified immediately. When an officer of the Administration, a nominated surveyor or a recognized organization has notified the appropriate authorities of the port State, the Government of the port State concerned shall give such officer, surveyor or organization any necessary assistance to carry out their obligations under this regulation. When applicable, the Government of the port State concerned shall ensure that the ship shall not sail until it can proceed to sea, or leave port for the purpose of proceeding to the appropriate repair yard, without danger to the ship or persons on board.

(d) In every case, the Administration shall fully guarantee the completeness and efficiency of the inspection and survey, and shall undertake to ensure the necessary arrangements to satisfy this obligation.

• Refer to Global and uniform implementation of the harmonized system of survey and certification (HSSC) (resolution A.883(21 )), Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2023 (resolution A.1186(33), as may be amended), Guidelines for pre-planning of surveys in dry dock of ships which are not subject to the enhanced programme of inspections (MSC.1/Circ.1223), Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290) and Guidelines for Administrations to ensure the adequacy of transfer of class-related matters between recognized organizations (ROs) (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.2). t Refer to the Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code) (resolutions MSC.349(92) and MEPC.237(65)); Communication of information on the authorization of recognized organizations (ROs) (MSC/Circ.1010-MEPC/Circ.382); Notification and circulation through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (CISIS) (resolution A.1074(28)) and Guidance on communication of information by Member States (resolution A.1139(31)).

Regulation 7

Surveys of passenger ships* (a) A passenger ship shall be subject to the surveys specified below: (i) an initial survey before the ship is put in service; (ii) a renewal survey once every 12 months, except where regulation 14(b), (e), (f) and (g) is applicable; (iii) additional surveys, as occasion arises.

(b) The surveys referred to above shall be carried out as follows: (i) the initial survey shall include a complete inspection of the ship's structure, machinery and equipment, including the outside of the ship's bottom and the inside and outside of the boilers. This survey shall be such as to ensure that the arrangements, materials and scantlings of the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installation, radio installations including those used in life-saving appliances, fire protection, fire safety systems and appliances, life-saving appliances and arrangements, shipborne navigational equipment, nautical publications, means of embarkation for pilots and other equipment fully comply with the requirements of the present regulations, and of the laws, decrees, orders and regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Administration for ships of the service for which it is intended. The survey shall also be such as to ensure that the workmanship of all parts of the ship and its equipment is in all respects satisfactory, and that the ship is provided with the lights, shapes, means of making sound signals and distress signals as required by the provisions of the present regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force; (ii) the renewal survey shall include an inspection of the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels, machinery and equipment, including the outside of the ship's bottom. The survey shall be such as to ensure that the ship, as regards the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installation, radio installations including those used in life-saving appliances, fire protection, fire safety systems and appliances, life-saving appliances and arrangements, shipborne navigational equipment, nautical publications, means of embarkation for pilots and other equipment is in satisfactory condition and is fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the requirements of the present regulations and of the laws, decrees, orders and regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Administration. The lights, shapes, means of making sound signals and distress signals carried by the ship shall also be subject to the above-mentioned survey for the purpose of ensuring that they comply with the requirements of the present regulations and of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force; (iii) an additional survey either general or partial, according to the circumstances, shall be made after a repair resulting from investigations prescribed in regulation 11, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made. The survey shall be such as to ensure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the material and workmanship of such repairs or renewals are in all respects satisfactory, and that the ship complies in all respects with the provisions of the present regulations and of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force, and of the laws, decrees, orders and regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Administration.

(c) (i) the laws, decrees, orders and regulations referred to in paragraph (b) of this regulation shall be in all respects such as to ensure that, from the point of view of safety of life, the ship is fit for the service for which it is intended; (ii) they shall among other things prescribe the requirements to be observed as to the initial and subsequent hydraulic or other acceptable alternative tests to which the main and auxiliary boilers,

• Refer to Surveys and inspections of ro-ro passenger ships (resolution A.794(19)), Guidelines for unscheduled inspections of ro-ro passenger ships by flag States (MSC/Circ.956) and Guidelines for the assessment of technical provisions for the performance of an in-water survey in lieu of bottom inspection in dry-dock to permit one dry-dock examination in any five-year period for passenger ships other than ro-ro passenger ships (MSC.1/Circ.1348).

Part B Surveys and certificates

connections, steam pipes, high pressure receivers and fuel tanks for internal combustion engines are to be submitted including the test procedures to be followed and the intervals between two consecutive tests.

miRegulation 8 Surveys of life-saving appliances and other equipment of cargo ships* (a) The life-saving appliances and other equipment of cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards as referred to in paragraph (b)(i) shall be subject to the surveys specified below: (i) an initial survey before the ship is put in service; (ii) a renewal survey at intervals specified by the Administration but not exceeding 5 years, except where regulation 14(b), (e), (f) and (g) is applicable; (iii) a periodical survey within three months before or after the second anniversary date or within three months before or after the third anniversary date of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate which shall take the place of one of the annual surveys specified in paragraph (a)(iv); (iv) an annual survey within 3 months before or after each anniversary date of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate; (v) an additional survey as prescribed for passenger ships in regulation 7(b)(iii).

(b) The surveys referred to in paragraph (a) shall be carried out as follows: (i) the initial survey shall include a complete inspection of the fire safety systems and appliances, life-saving appliances and arrangements except radio installations, the shipborne navigational equipment, means of embarkation for pilots and other equipment to which chapters 11-1, 11-2, Ill and V apply to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the present regulations, are in satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for which the ship is intended. The fire control plans, nautical publications, lights, shapes, means of making sound signals and distress signals shall also be subject to the above-mentioned survey for the purpose of ensuring that they comply with the requirements of the present regulations and, where applicable, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force; (ii) the renewal and periodical surveys shall include an inspection of the equipment referred to in paragraph (b)(i) to ensure that it complies with the relevant requirements of the present regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force, is in satisfactory condition and is fit for the service for which the ship is intended; (iii) the annual survey shall include a general inspection of the equipment referred to in paragraph (b)(i) to ensure that it has been maintained in accordance with regulation 11(a) and that it remains satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended.

(c) The periodical and annual surveys referred to in paragraphs (a)(iii) and (a)(iv) shall be endorsed on the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.

• Refer to Guidelines for construction, installation, maintenance and inspection/survey of means of embarkation and disembarkation (MSC.1/Circ.1331); Servicing of life-saving appliances and radiocommunication equipment under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) (MSC/Circ.955); Guidelines for the performance and testing criteria and surveys of high-expansion foam concentrates for fixed-extinguishing systems (MSC/Circ.670); Guidelines for performance and testing criteria and surveys of medium expansion concentrates for fixed fire-extinguishing systems (MSC/Circ.798); and Guidance on the survey and certification of compliance of ships with the requirement to transmit LR/T information (MSC.1/Circ.1307/Rev.1).

Regulation 9

Surveys of radio installations of cargo ships* (a) The radio installations, including those used in life-saving appliances, of cargo ships to which chapters Ill and IV apply shall be subject to the surveys specified below:

(i) an initial survey before the ship is put in service;

(ii) a renewal survey at intervals specified by the Administration but not exceeding five years, except where regulation 14(b), (e), (f) and (g) is applicable;

(iii) a periodical survey within three months before or after each anniversary date of the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate;

(iv) an additional survey as prescribed for passenger ships in regulation 7(b)(iii).

(b) The surveys referred to in paragraph (a) shall be carried out as follows:

(i) the initial survey shall include a complete inspection of the radio installations of cargo ships, including those used in life-saving appliances, to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the present regulations;

(ii) the renewal and periodical surveys shall include an inspection of the radio installations of cargo ships, including those used in life-saving appliances, to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the present regulations.

(c) The periodical surveys referred to in paragraph (a)(iii) shall be endorsed on the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.

Regulation 10

Surveys of structure, machinery and equipment of cargo shipst (a) The structure, machinery and equipment (other than items in respect of which a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate are issued) of a cargo ship as referred to in paragraph (b)(i) shall be subject to the surveys and inspections specified below: (i) an initial survey including an inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom before the ship is put in service; (ii) a renewal survey at intervals specified by the Administration but not exceeding 5 years, except where regulation 14(b), (e), (f) and (g) is applicable; (iii) an intermediate survey within three months before or after the second anniversary date or within three months before or after the third anniversary date of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, which shall take the place of one of the annual surveys specified in paragraph (a)(iv); (iv) an annual survey within 3 months before or after each anniversary date of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate; (v) a minimum of two inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom during any five-year period, except where regulation 14(e) or (f) is applicable. Where regulation 14(e) or (f) is applicable, this five-year period may be extended to coincide with the extended period of validity of the certificate. In all cases the interval between any two such inspections shall not exceed 36 months; (vi) an additional survey as prescribed for passenger ships in regulation 7(b)(iii).

• Refer to Servicing of life-saving appliances and radiocommunication equipment under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) (MSC/Circ.955). t Refer to Guidance for planning the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (MSC/Circ.655); Guidelines for pre-planning of surveys in dry-dock of ships which are not subject to the enhanced programme of inspections (MSC.1/Circ.1223); and Guidelines for bulk carrier hatch cover surveys and owner's inspections and maintenance (MSC/Circ.1071).

(b) The surveys and inspections referred to in paragraph (a) shall be carried out as follows:

(i) the initial survey shall include a complete inspection of the structure, machinery and equipment. This survey shall be such as to ensure that the arrangements, materials, scantlings and workmanship of the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels, their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery including steering gear and associated control systems, electrical installation and other equipment comply with the requirements of the present regulations, are in satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for which the ship is intended and that the required stability information is provided. In the case of tankers such a survey shall also include an inspection of the pump-rooms, cargo, bunker and ventilation piping systems and associated safety devices;

(ii) the renewal survey shall include an inspection of the structure, machinery and equipment as referred to in paragraph (b)(i) to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the present regulations, are in satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for which the ship is intended;

(iii) the intermediate survey shall include an inspection of the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels, machinery and equipment, the steering gear and the associated control systems and electrical installations to ensure that they remain satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended. In the case of tankers, the survey shall also include an inspection of the pump-rooms, cargo, bunker and ventilation piping systems and associated safety devices and the testing of insulation resistance of electrical installations in dangerous zones;

(iv) the annual survey shall include a general inspection of the structure, machinery and equipment referred to in paragraph (b)(i), to ensure that they have been maintained in accordance with regulation 11 (a) and that they remain satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended;

(v) the inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom and the survey of related items inspected at the same time shall be such as to ensure that they remain satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended.

(c) The intermediate and annual surveys and the inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom referred to in paragraphs (a)(iii), (a)(iv) and (a)(v) shall be endorsed on the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.

miRegulation 11 Maintenance of conditions after survey*

(a) The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the present regulations to ensure that the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board.

(b) After any survey of the ship under regulations 7, 8, 9 or 10 has been completed, no change shall be made in the structural arrangements, machinery, equipment and other items covered by the survey, without the sanction of the Administration.

(c) Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered, either of which affects the safety of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its life-saving appliances or other equipment, the master or owner of the ship shall report at the earliest opportunity to the Administration, the nominated surveyor or recognized organization responsible for issuing the relevant certificate, who shall cause investigations to be initiated to determine whether a survey, as required by regulations 7, 8, 9 or 10, is necessary. If the ship is in a port of another Contracting Government, the master or owner shall also report immediately to the appropriate authorities of the port State and the nominated surveyor or recognized organization shall ascertain that such a report has been made.

* Refer to Ship design, construction, repair and maintenance (MSC/Circ.1070); Shipboard technical operating and maintenance manuals (MSC.1/Circ.1253); and the relevant instruments as referred to in the footnotes of other chapters.

Regulation 12

Issue or endorsement of certificates* (a) (i) a certificate called a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate shall be issued after an initial or renewal survey to a passenger ship which complies with the relevant requirements of chapters 11-1, 11-2, Ill, IV and V and any other relevant requirements of the present regulations;

(ii) a certificate called a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate shall be issued after an initial or renewal survey to a cargo ship which complies with the relevant requirements of chapters 11-1 and 11-2 (other than those relating to fire safety systems and appliances and fire control plans) and any other relevant requirements of the present regulations;

(iii) a certificate called a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate shall be issued after an initial or renewal survey to a cargo ship which complies with the relevant requirements of chapters 11-1, 11-2, Ill and V and any other relevant requirements of the present regulations; (iv) a certificate called a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate shall be issued after an initial or renewal survey to a cargo ship which complies with the relevant requirements of chapter IV and any other relevant requirements of the present regulations; (v) (1) a certificate called a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate may be issued after an initial or renewal survey to a cargo ship which complies with the relevant requirements of chapters 11-1, 11-2, Ill, IV and V and any other relevant requirements of the present regulations, as an alternative to the certificates referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), (a)(iii) and (a)(iv); (2) whenever in this chapter reference is made to a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate or Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate, it shall apply to a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, if it is used as an alternative to these certificates; (vi) the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate and the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, referred to in sub-paragraphs (i), (iii), (iv) and (v), shall be supplemented by a Record of Equipment; (vii) when an exemption is granted to a ship under and in accordance with the provisions of the present regulations, a certificate called an Exemption Certificate shall be issued in addition to the certificates prescribed in this paragraph; (viii) the certificates referred to in this regulation shall be issued or endorsed either by the Administration or by any person or organization authorized by it. In every case, that Administration assumes full responsibility for the certificates.

(b) A Contracting Government shall not issue certificates under, and in accordance with, the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1960, 1948 or 1929, after the date on which acceptance of the present Convention by the Government takes effect.

Regulation 13

Issue or endorsement of certificates by another Government A Contracting Government may, at the request of the Administration, cause a ship to be surveyed and, if satisfied that the requirements of the present regulations are complied with, shall issue or authorize the issue of certificates to the ship and, where appropriate, endorse or authorize the endorsement of certificates on the ship in accordance with the present regulations. Any certificate so issued shall contain a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Government of the State the flag of which the ship is entitled to fly, and it shall have the same force and receive the same recognition as a certificate issued under regulation 12.

* Refer to Recommendation on the use of national tonnage in applying international conventions (resolution A.1073(28)); Guidelines for the use of Electronic Certificates (FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 and Corr.1); Guidance on the timing of replacement of existing certificates by the certificates issued after the entry into force of amendments to certificates in /MO instruments (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.6); Unified interpretation on the expiration date of statutory certificates (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.13); and Unified interpretation of the date of completion of the survey and verification on which the certificates are based (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.3).

Regulation 14

Duration and validity of certificates* (a) A Passenger Ship Safety Certificate shall be issued for a period not exceeding 12 months. A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate shall be issued for a period specified by the Administration which shall not exceed five years. An Exemption Certificate shall not be valid for longer than the period of the certificate to which it refers. (b) (i) notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a), when the renewal survey is completed within three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to: (1) for a passenger ship, a date not exceeding 12 months from the date of expiry of the existing certificate; (2) for a cargo ship, a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate; (ii) when the renewal survey is completed after the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to: (1) for a passenger ship, a date not exceeding 12 months from the date of expiry of the existing certificate; (2) for a cargo ship, a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate; (iii) when the renewal survey is completed more than three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to: (1) for a passenger ship, a date not exceeding 12 months from the date of completion of the renewal survey; (2) for a cargo ship, a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.

(c) If a certificate other than a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate is issued for a period of less than five years, the Administration may extend the validity of the certificate beyond the expiry date to the maximum period specified in paragraph (a), provided that the surveys referred to in regulations 8, 9 and 10 applicable when a certificate is issued for a period of 5 years are carried out as appropriate.

(d) If a renewal survey has been completed and a new certificate cannot be issued or placed on board the ship before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the person or organization authorized by the Administration may endorse the existing certificate and such a certificate shall be accepted as valid for a further period which shall not exceed 5 months from the expiry date.

(e) If a ship at the time when a certificate expires is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed, the Administration may extend the period of validity of the certificate but this extension shall be granted only for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete its voyage to the port in which it is to be surveyed, and then only in cases where it appears proper and reasonable to do so. No certificate shall be extended for a period longer than three months, and a ship to which an extension is granted shall not, on its arrival in the port in which it is to be surveyed, be entitled by virtue of such extension to leave that port without having a new certificate. When the renewal survey is completed, the new certificate shall be valid to: (i) for a passenger ship, a date not exceeding 12 months from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted; (ii) for a cargo ship, a date not exceeding 5 years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted.

• Refer to Recommended conditions for extending the period of validity of a certificate (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.1); Guidance on the timing of replacement of existing certificates by the certificates issued after the entry into force of amendments to certificates in /MO instruments (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.6); Guidelines for the use of Electronic Certificates (FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 and Corr.1); Unified interpretation on the expiration date of statutory certificates (MSC-MEPC.S/Circ.13) and Unified interpretation of the date of completion of the survey and verification on which the certificates are based (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.3).

(f) A certificate issued to a ship engaged on short voyages which has not been extended under the foregoing provisions of this regulation may be extended by the Administration for a period of grace of up to one month from the date of expiry stated on it. When the renewal survey is completed, the new certificate shall be valid to:

(i) for a passenger ship, a date not exceeding 12 months from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted;

(ii) for a cargo ship, a date not exceeding 5 years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted.

(g) In special circumstances, as determined by the Administration, a new certificate need not be dated from the date of expiry of the existing certificate as required by paragraphs (b)(ii), (e) or (f). In these special circumstances, the new certificate shall be valid to:

(i) for a passenger ship, a date not exceeding 12 months from the date of completion of the renewal survey;

(ii) for a cargo ship, a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.

(h) If an annual, intermediate or periodical survey is completed before the period specified in the relevant regulations then:

(i) the anniversary date shown on the relevant certificate shall be amended by endorsement to a date which shall not be more than three months later than the date on which the survey was completed;

(ii) the subsequent annual, intermediate or periodical survey required by the relevant regulations shall be completed at the intervals prescribed by these regulations using the new anniversary date;

(iii) the expiry date may remain unchanged provided one or more annual, intermediate or periodical surveys, as appropriate, are carried out so that the maximum intervals between the surveys prescribed by the relevant regulations are not exceeded.

(i) A certificate issued under regulation 12 or 13 shall cease to be valid in any of the following cases:

(i) if the relevant surveys and inspections are not completed within the periods specified under regulations 7(a), S(a), 9(a) and 10(a);

(ii) if the certificate is not endorsed in accordance with the present regulations;

(iii) upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State. A new certificate shall only be issued when the Government issuing the new certificate is fully satisfied that the ship is in compliance with the requirements of regulation 11 (a) and (b). In the case of a transfer between Contracting Governments, if requested within three months after the transfer has taken place, the Government of the State whose flag the ship was formerly entitled to fly shall, as soon as possible, transmit to the Administration copies of the certificates carried by the ship before a transfer and, if available, copies of the relevant survey reports.

mRegulation 15 Forms of certificates and records of equipment* The certificates and records of equipment shall be drawn up in the form corresponding to the models given in the appendix to the annex to the present Convention. If the language used is neither English nor French, the text shall include a translation into one of these languages.t

• Refer to Guidelines for the use of Electronic Certificates (FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 and Corr.1) and the information collected via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). t Refer to Translation of the text of certificates (resolution A.561(14)).

Regulation 16

Availability of certificates* The certificates issued under regulations 12 and 13 shall be readily available on board for examination at all times.

Regulation 17

Acceptance of certificates Certificates issued under the authority of a Contracting Government shall be accepted by the other Contracting Governments for all purposes covered by the present Convention. They shall be regarded by the other Contracting Governments as having the same force as certificates issued by them.

Regulation 18

Qualification of certificates (a) If in the course of a particular voyage a ship has on board a number of persons less than the total number stated in the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate and is in consequence, in accordance with the provisions of the present regulations, free to carry a smaller number of lifeboats and other life-saving appliances than that stated in the certificate, an annex may be issued by the Government, person or organization referred to in regulation

12 or 13 of this chapter.

(b) This annex shall state that in the circumstances there is no infringement of the provisions of the present regulations. It shall be annexed to the certificate and shall be substituted for it in so far as the life-saving appliances are concerned. It shall be valid only for the particular voyage for which it is issued.

Regulation 19

Contro/t (a) Every ship when in a port of another Contracting Government is subject to control by officers duly authorized by such Government in so far as this control is directed towards verifying that the certificates issued under regulation 12 or regulation 13 are valid.

(b) Such certificates, if valid, shall be accepted unless there are clear grounds for believing that the condition of the ship or of its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of any of the certificates or that the ship and its equipment are not in compliance with the provisions of regulation 11(a) and (b).

(c) In the circumstances given in paragraph (b) or where a certificate has expired or ceased to be valid, the officer carrying out the control shall take steps to ensure that the ship shall not sail until it can proceed to sea or leave the port for the purpose of proceeding to the appropriate repair yard without danger to the ship or persons on board.

(d) In the event of this control giving rise to an intervention of any kind, the officer carrying out the control shall forthwith inform, in writing, the Consul or, in his absence, the nearest diplomatic representative of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly of all the circumstances in which intervention was deemed necessary. In addition, nominated surveyors or recognized organizations responsible for the issue of the certificates shall also be notified. The facts concerning the intervention shall be reported to the Organization.

• Refer to Retention of original records/documents on board ships (MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.1) and Guidance on the timing of replacement of existing certificates by the certificates issued after the entry into force of amendments to certificates in /MO instruments (MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.6). t Refer to Procedures for port State control, 2023 (resolution A.1185(33)); /MO Instruments Implementation Code (Ill Code) (resolution A.1070(28)); Guidance to port State control officers on the non-security related elements of the 2002 SOLAS amendments (MSC/Circ.1113); Measures to improve port State control procedures (MSC/Circ.1011-MEPC/Circ.383); Code of good practice for port State control officers (MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.2); National contact points for safety and pollution prevention and response (MSC-MEPC.6/Circ.22, as may be amended); and the information collected via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

(e) The port State authority concerned shall notify all relevant information about the ship to the authorities of the next port of call, in addition to parties mentioned in paragraph (d), if it is unable to take action as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) or if the ship has been allowed to proceed to the next port of call.

(f) When exercising control under this regulation all possible efforts shall be made to avoid a ship being unduly detained or delayed. If a ship is thereby unduly detained or delayed it shall be entitled to compensation for any loss or damage suffered.

Regulation 20

Privileges The privileges of the present Convention may not be claimed in favour of any ship unless it holds appropriate valid certificates.

Casualties

Regulation 21

Casualties* (a) Each Administration undertakes to conduct an investigation of any casualty occurring to any of its ships subject to the provisions of the present Convention when it judges that such an investigation may assist in determining what changes in the present regulations might be desirable.

(b) Each Contracting Government undertakes to supply the Organization with pertinent information concerning the findings of such investigations. No reports or recommendations of the Organization based upon such information shall disclose the identity or nationality of the ships concerned or in any manner fix or imply responsibility upon any ship or person.

* See additional requirements for the investigation of marine casualties and incidents in regulation Xl-1/6.

Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations

Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations

Part A General

Regulation 1 Application

Regulation 2 Definitions

Regulation 3 Definitions relating to parts C, D and E

Part A-1 Structure of ships

Regulation 3-1 Structural, mechanical and electrical requirements for ships

Regulation 3-2 Protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers

Regulation 3-3 Safe access to tanker bows

Regulation 3-4 Emergency towing arrangements and procedures

Regulation 3-5 New installation of materials containing asbestos

Regulation 3-6 Access to and within spaces in, and forward of, the cargo area of oil tankers and bulk carriers

Regulation 3-7 Construction drawings maintained on board and ashore

Regulation 3-8 Towing and mooring equipment

Regulation 3-9 Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships

Regulation 3-10 Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers

Regulation 3-11 Corrosion protection of cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers

Regulation 3-12 Protection against noise

Part B Subdivision and stability

Regulation 4 General … 58

Part B-1 Stability

Regulation 5 Intact stability

Regulation 5-1 Stability information to be supplied to the master

Regulation 6 Required subdivision index R

Regulation 7 Attained subdivision index A

Regulation 7-1 Calculation of the factor Pi·

Regulation 7-2 Calculation of the factor si

Regulation 7-3 Permeability

Regulation 8 Special requirements concerning passenger ship stability

Regulation 8-1 System capabilities and operational information after a flooding casualty on passenger ships